Over the past two millennia, Chengdu has been the site of miraculous stories and many cultural experiences. Even before that, it was the home of the Jinsha civilization. One of the Jinsha relics is a gold foil of the divine solar bird, which became the symbol of Chengdu, and of Chinese cultural heritage.

The Cannes Impression in Chengdu by Xu Lecong

Chengdu was one of China’s first historical and cultural cities and the only one that never moved or changed its name during the past 2,000 years. It is home to two world cultural heritage sites, at Mount Qingcheng, home of Taoism, and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, built 2,200 years ago, which is still in operation.

Tianfu avenue in Chengdu by by Xu Lecong

Over the centuries, its history, heritage, culture, and leisurely lifestyle have made Chengdu the destination of poets and literary figures, and have made it a famous tourist attraction for those wanting to share its spiritual wealth.

In Feb 2007, the US’ Time magazine reported on Chengdu’s modernity and recreational aspects and helped give Chengdu an international standing. It is certainly one of the country’s best-known tourist cities, with five world heritage sties within easy reach. Nearby scenic spots include Mount Leshan, Mount E’mei, Jiuzhaigou, and Huanglong. In 2009, the Excellent Tourism Destination Center recognized it as a “world excellent tourism destination”.

Nanhu Park in Chengdu by Xu Lecong

Chengdu is also known for its pleasant climate and giant pandas and its giant panda breeding research center, which houses 108 giant pandas in a free, simulated wild environment that puts them in close contact with tourists.

Earlier this year, six of the giant pandas were moved to Giant Panda Valley, or the Dujiangyan giant panda breeding and wildlife research center, in Majiagou, in the town of Yutang, which allows them to return to nature and enjoy a natural life.

Chengdu has also become popular because of its gourmet food. After all, is the birthplace of Sichuan cuisine, one of China’s four major styles of cooking. In 2010, Chengdu was designated the “capital of the world’s gourmet food” by UNESCO, the first city in Asia to receive the honor. It is best represented by its hot pot cookery, spicy bean curd, and Kung Pao chicken.

As many parts of the world worry about losing their essential way of life to super-fast development, Chengdu maintains a balance with a “fast growth, slow life” attitude and has become “the happiest city in China”.